Yiwu Gushu Ripe - 2016.
 
This was our first ever batch of ripe Yiwu Gushu due to high customer demand for 'aged' or 'ripe' products.  Made from a blend of pure Yiwu old tree material that was dry-stored in Yiwu dating from 2005 to 2014. The fermentation batch was finished in 2015 and the cakes were pressed in 2016.  Our fermentation master and collaborators were very pleased with the results, and with around 70% fermentation, these cakes still have plenty of aging potential.  It's also been spectacularly popular with our mainland customers who have bought the majority of the stock already.
 
Having rested for a period before release, these cakes have reached a very drinkable state.  The aromas have plenty of deep notes whilst regaining some of the sweetness of the raw Yiwu leaf.  The tea soup body has a creamy stickiness even beyond what is normally found in ripe productions.  The colour is clean and bright and the tea develops throughout the gongfu session.
 
With this tea, we recommend more leaf and gongfu brewing - 1g/10ml.  We've had great sessions of up to 40+ steeps, so this is best enjoyed over a full day or with plenty of friends.  A thermos brew with the leftover leaves also brings out some really interesting notes in the tea.